The Man I Loved Only Had Eyes for My Sister

My personal bodyguard of eight years left me without hesitation to save my stepsister on the day the villa caught fire. He had pulled me out of danger countless times, and everyone believed he must have loved me deeply. But when I was lost in a daze, he turned away resolutely.

"Miss Holland, many people want to save you. But Liz only has me."

His voice was cold, and dressed in a sharp suit, he disappeared into the smoke. That man was Julius Spencer, my bodyguard for eight years. I watched him go, wiped my tears, and turned to accept the marriage my father had arranged for me.

"I don't want Julius anymore; I accept marriage."

——

The pain in my chest lingered when I woke up. The ward was silent, except for the ticking of the machine and the footsteps outside. I opened the door to find Julius, always composed, pacing nervously in front of Liz Holland's operating room. He didn’t notice me. His hands trembled slightly, and his red eyes betrayed his emotions.

When the lights in the operating room dimmed, Julius stumbled forward. He pressed Liz's hand to his face, as if trying to absorb her into him. I had never seen him like this, and for a moment, I was frozen.

It wasn’t until a group of people entered Liz's room that I snapped back to reality. Through the door, I saw my stern grandmother holding Liz, tears streaming from her red eyes. I smiled bitterly, overwhelmed by the desolation around me.

Julius tensed when he heard the noise.

"Who’s there?"

Before I could answer, he shoved me to the ground. Only when I cried out in pain did he realize, immediately releasing me, his face flushed with embarrassment.

"Miss Holland, why aren’t you resting in your ward?"

His voice was still steady, but his defensive posture was unmistakable. After eight years, I could read him better than anyone else. He was guarding me, afraid I would hurt Liz.

My chest ached suddenly, and as I tried to speak, a violent cough wracked my body, burning my lungs. I stumbled back in pain.

Julius rushed to help, but before he could reach me, a familiar voice called from the ward.

"Julius..."

"Julius, where are you?"

Before the voice finished, Julius withdrew his hand and rushed back into the ward without a glance back.

I collapsed in the cold corridor, watching as he knelt before Liz’s bed, bowing his head with devotion. My vision blurred, tears welling up.

When the Spencer family first sent their men to protect me, I chose Julius at first sight. Not for anything else, but because of his proud, unyielding spirit. He had saved me from trouble several times, and I had looked at him with unguarded affection. Friends even bet on who could make the serious Julius take off his mask. I never spoke of it, but in my heart, I had a secret wish: not only to tear off his disguise, but to see his proud head bow for me.

Now I have seen it. But it wasn’t for me.

Liz recovered quickly and was soon discharged. As for me, my vocal cords had been damaged from inhaling too much smoke, and I could no longer speak for a long while.

"Liz has been having nightmares lately. The doctor suggested she get more sunlight."

"She said she loves the balcony in your room. Can you exchange a few days with her?"